Today’s homeowners utilize more electricity than ever before. The average home contains over 30 appliances and electronic devices, many of which are used simultaneously. All of these devices and appliances required an adequate amount of electricity to properly function.
And yet, more than half of the homes in the U.S. were built before or during the 1970s. Most electronics we use today didn’t exist when these homes — and the built-in wiring systems — were designed. In most cases, the older homes contained 60-amp electrical systems. By contrast, homeowners and their families require at least 150 amps.
The bottom line: Most home electrical components including panels, wiring, and outlets are not equipped to deal with the increased electrical demands.
Outdated Electrical System are Insufficient
The electrical systems in older homes are overpowered. The outdated electric systems and panels cannot safely handle the demands of modern electronics.
The core issue with outdated systems lies in the old circuit breaker panels and their inability to stop an electrical surge. Two types of panels in question are fuse boxes and split-bus panels.
Fuse Boxes
Fuse boxes aren’t inherently unsafe. They work just like circuit breakers, except they can’t be reset and must be replaced. However, most fuse boxes in homes today are unsafe because they’ve been modified to serve today’s energy demands.
Issues that arise with fuse boxes include plugging in too many electrical devices into a circuit, replacing fuses with bigger fuses, or replacing fuses with a metal object.
Split-Bus Panels
Homeowners that use split-bus panels are in danger of violating residential building codes. The reason split-bus panels no longer meet building codes is that they haven’t been used for over 40 years. That puts them past their expected lifespan, meaning the circuit breakers may not trip as they are designed to.
Replacing Outdated Electrical Panels
The circuit breaker panel is the most critical component in your electrical system. Without it, there is no way to control a power surge, which would occur frequently. The panel controls and distributes an electrical current. Therefore, if you have an older panel, it may not handle a power surge once it finally malfunctions. This can lead to fires or electrocution.
Manufacturers such as Federal Pacific Electric or Zinsco designed old panels that could handle the needs of homeowners several years ago. However, the panels are no longer safe and should be replaced.
If you suspect that you may have a Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco, or an outdated circuit breaker panel in your home, you should contact a licensed Harrison Electric contractor for a panel inspection or replacement. A new panel will make your home safer and ensure that you adhere to residential building codes imposed by the State of Minnesota.
Emergency Electrical Service
Outdated electrical panels can fail at any time. If they do, you may need to contact an electrical contractor right away. Harrison Electric offers emergency electrical service. We can send out an electrical contractor to your home and fix the problem on site. We can also schedule a total electrical system or panel replacement.
You can call us anytime. We’re here to help make your home safe.
Comprehensive Electric System Replacement
If you need electrical upgrades, contact Harrison Electric. We offer complete service for residential properties in Plymouth and the surrounding Minneapolis area.
To schedule service, call us at (763) 544-3300, or you can message us at mail@harrison-electric.com.